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Post by seechem on Aug 9, 2019 14:32:09 GMT -6
Seeking Guidance
~ Nero, Virgil, Danaë, Lucie [NPC] ~
[seechem + Lebazardesmondes]
Within the Oasis, Early September
Mid-morning; the sun is accompanied by light, intermittent clouds
---
A few weeks ago, Nero's partner Madden returned from Zuiseset with an orphaned child. Discovering they were mute and blind, Nero struggled to understand how to care for the youngster, and so decides to seek out Danaë for some advice and wisdom; as well as a catch up between friends.
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Post by seechem on Aug 9, 2019 15:34:13 GMT -6
N E R O
a Saviour of Serora
'writing my poems for the few that look to me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me'
... ...
"Come along, I promise you will like her." Nero spoke softly to the dark Pegasus foal that walked slowly beside him.
"And if I don't?" Virgil paused, signing with rolled, blind eyes. Nero paused his walking to look back at the child with a light sigh.
"You will. But," he had to stop himself from pinning his ears back as Virgil's attention was caught by the possibility, "if you do not, we can go and find Madden, and you two can go exploring."
"Fine." Virgil signed with a sharp nod.
The morning heat was gently spreading across the Oasis, and the tents were starting to buzz with activity. Virgil was hanging close to Nero's side, the child's black and purple wing occasionally brushing against his chest.
The saviour knew the way to Danaë's lodgings quite well, even after all the commotion the herd had undergone. He was eager to catch up with her, ensure that she and her daughter were alright, but also to ask her about what he could do for Virgil. Nero had no experience with raising a child, and the prospect made him uneasy despite the support Madden offered. He hoped that speaking with Danaë would relieve some worry, but also give Virgil the chance to socialise.
He rounded a bend and headed towards Danaë and Lucie's residence.
"Patre," Virgil signed, catching Nero's attention with a hoof stamp, "can she sign?"
"They both can," Nero approached them tentatively, reading the anxious body language from the Pegasus, "so don't be nervous."
"I'm not." They signed, all too sharply to be convincing.
Nero led Virgil towards the opening of Danaë's home and instructed the youngster to stand beside him. "Danaë? Are you in?" Nero called softly.
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Post by Luneby on Aug 10, 2019 3:24:05 GMT -6
D A N A Ë
"Of fire and gold."
WC: 368 Post # 1 The air was filled with laughter and the chiming of the wind coming from the canyon towering before the little white tent that served as shelter to Danaë's family. Nearby the sheets that flowed could be spotted the golden mare, playing with her young daughter and Familiar. Her expert eyes observed the way the little pecari moved – He kept limping; she would have to keep working on the prosthetic leg she made for him. The tune of the stream that gently gurgled below the hill the tent was located on lulled her into a peaceful state. She was waiting on an old friend and the new addition to his family – an encounter she was looking forward to. Although she lived with her family, Danaë often found herself lonely, barely seeing anyone outside of her mother and daughter, spending the greatest part of her time tending to Lucie who had been sick a long time. Seeing a friendly face was always a relief, especially through such times.
She finally heard it, Nero’s gentle voice. She promptly stomped on the ground, bells ringing loud – That way Lucie knew she had to come back to her mother and come to greet the newcomers. With a beaming smile, Danaë leaped towards her old friend, Lucie and Charlie trotting by her side, little pecari struggling to catch up with them.
She happily greeted the stallion, nuzzling him fondly as their foreheads met. “I’m very happy to see you.” She signed, eyes bright with emotion. Colorful irises then shifted towards the young Pegasus by Nero’s side, smiling gently. Truly a beautiful young they were, she couldn’t help noticing. “Hello, little one.” She told, bells at her ankles ringing musically as she moved. “They are beautiful.” She added to Nero. Lucie was hiding behind her mother’s legs, shyly observing the foal, ears pinned against her neck. Danaë gently pushed her near Virgil, encouraging her to say hello. “This is Lucie” she signed, “She is a little younger than you, but I’m sure you will get along. Why don’t you go play?”
Charlie had finally caught up and was now trotting in Virgil's direction. Far less impressed, the young animal snorted at the foal in curiosity.
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Post by seechem on Aug 11, 2019 8:15:09 GMT -6
N E R O
a Saviour of Serora
'writing my poems for the few that look to me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me'
......
A beat passed, and then Nero saw the golden mare. His face warmed with a beaming smile as she embraced him. Nero leaned into the touch as their foreheads met, feeling his concerns melt as though Danaë were a balm for his worries. The saviour stepped back enough to watch her sign that she was glad to see him. "As am I." Nero replied. He tracked her eyes as she turned to look at Virgil. The pegasus foal was a pace behind him, seemingly observing their interaction. She signed her greeting to Virgil, and the child's ears perked forward.
"Hello." they signed back, before taking a tentative step behind Nero.
"They are beautiful." Danaë signed to Nero, and the blue roan's smile grew. Danaë was so sweet and genuine, and Nero hoped Virgil had caught the mare's sentiments.
"Thank you," he spoke softly, looking back at Virgil with softening eyes of fondness. Nero cocked his head as Danaë turned to her daughter. The filly was hiding behind her mother, and the saviour tried his best to give a warm smile.
"This is 'Lucie'." Nero found the way Danaë signed for people's names fascinating, and he turned to Virgil.
"Pronounced Lucie, Virge." Nero carefully nudged the pegasus foal, encouraging them to take a step closer.
"She's a little younger than you, but I'm sure you will get along. Why don't you play?" Danaë signed.
"Would you like that?" Nero asked. The dark Pegasus stood rigidly at Nero's side, and hesitated. "Maybe just start with a hello?"
"Hi," Virgil signed averting their dark purple eyes for a moment, "I'm Virgil." They signed the spelling of their name, before looking to Danaë and signing the word 'flourishing'; a meaning that Nero had uncovered for them before their trip here.
Virgil looked to Nero, who gave them an encouraging nod, before returning to address Lucie. "Where do you normally play?" They signed, their ears still pressed back with apprehension.
"Thank you," Nero started to Danaë, "for agreeing to see me. It really has been too long." He hadn't felt so relaxed in a long time, and seeing his friend again put an uncommon smile on his face. "I was hoping that I might ask for some advice?" He looked between the children and his friend briefly, "I feel you may have a lot more experience on the subject than I do." He tried to sound jovial, but the creeping uncertainties were starting to return as he watched Virgil and Lucie.
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Post by Luneby on Aug 11, 2019 10:50:32 GMT -6
D A N A Ë
"Of fire and gold."
WC: 303| Post # 2 Her bells giggled for her in a gentle tingling noise. Her eyes spoke for her.
“I’m always happy to see you.” She assures. “You may ask everything you want; I hope I can help you… If not, there’s still my mother.” She was never entirely confident when it came to her parenting skills. But then again, no one ever was.
She was pleased to see Virgil sign like herself – Nero had taught them well, she shared a knowing smile with him. “What a beautiful name you have. I’m Golden Rain” – she signed, as her name translated. She pushed Lucie a little closer to the Pegasus. The little filly found her face turning bright red. She had never seen anything quite like them and soon found herself intimidated but all the more curious.
“I … I…” she started with a shaky voice. Unable to steady her tone, she started signing too, slowly and a little jitterily. “I like to go play by the brook downhill…” her dainty legs wove these words as she pointed towards the gentle sound of water that could be heard from there: it came from the little stream that swirled quietly down the hill where she and Danaë lived, which was barely deep enough to reach the filly’s ankles. She took another step towards Virgil, trying to find her composure under her mother’s approving eyes, as she smiled awkwardly at Nero. “This is Charlie… He is my mother’s Familiar. He likes to play too.” She adds, nudging the young piglike creature near her.
“That’s a wonderful idea, let’s go by the brook.” The golden mare invites her guests to follow her as she trots down the hill, closer to the water. She smiled at Nero: they would be able to enjoy their talk without catching any unwanted ear down there.
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Post by seechem on Aug 14, 2019 4:00:27 GMT -6
N E R O
a Saviour of Serora
'writing my poems for the few that look to me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me'
......
"I am sure you can," Nero reassured, "especially in the areas I am concerned with." He looked briefly to his young child, and then across to Lucie with a smile. "You really are a better mother than you think." He teased.
Virgil watched Danaë sign her name, and carefully signed it themself once, then twice with a little nod as they filed it away to practice later. But Virgil was aware of the nervous filly before them. Her aura was sparkling and bright, and attracted Virgil like a shiny jewel to a magpie. Lucie mentioned a brook and the pegasus foal's ears perked forward.
"A brook?" They signed, intrigue spurring them with confidence. They had not encountered a brook since their life before Sedo. The child indicated behind her, and Virgil craned an ear to catch the gentle rippling of the water. "It sounds peaceful." They signed gently, looking back to Lucie with a shyness that was making way for curiosity. Even the introduction of Danaë's familiar was exciting to Virgil. They looked to the little piglet-like creature, whose lifeforce shone around them, and Virgil gave Charlie a playful bow. "Greetings." they signed with a formal wing-flick, a sign they had learned in Breim.
Danaë suggested they move down to the brook, and Nero gave her a grateful smile before following the gently jingling mare down to the brook's edge. Virgil followed Lucie, keeping close to her as she illuminated the terrain around them allowing the dark pegasus to walk without tripping.
"You have found yourself a wonderful little safe-haven." Nero commented, sighing into the calming air. "And I am so glad that you are both well. I feel Lucie may be a good influence on Virgil." he added with a gentle chuckle.
"I am a little lost on how I can help them." Nero quietly admitted, not wanting the Pegasus foal to hear him.
Virgil meanwhile looked across the brook, then back at Lucie. "What are your favourite games?" They signed, curled ears flicking in the other child's direction.
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Post by Luneby on Aug 21, 2019 6:40:26 GMT -6
D A N A Ë
"Of fire and gold."
WC: 329| Post # 3The filly’s leonine tail was flicking excitedly into the water, splashing it around as she observed the Pegasus with bright eyes. “My favorite games? Well um… there’s this one!” she says, giggling as her tail whips into the water, splashing Virgil as she leaped on the side with splashing noises, waiting for them to reciprocate. Charlie jumped in surprise, scampering out of the water with indignant noises, finding shelter in Danaë’s shadow.
The mare smiled as she witnessed Lucie loosen up around Virgil- a quite unusual sight. The filly was usually very shy around other children, but there was something about Virgil that made them alike, she could clearly see it. It seemed that her daughter had found someone she connected with and she couldn’t be happier about that.
“I really have.” She signs quietly, bells ringing faintly. “It seems that Virgil will be a good influence on her too.” She smiles, colourful eyes observing her friend. Taking a more serious stance, she nods as she listens to her friend, starting the strange choreography that was longer sentences in her language.
This is the most natural fear you could have. We never know how to help until we finally do. I do not know Virgil yet, but I will tell you one thing: talk to them. They might not know what they want yet, but they certainly do know what they don’t want. Open communication with them is the key, learn their fears, learn their thought process – one day you will be able to anticipate their needs before they even come to terms with them. Be aware and accepting of their past, you can’t do them greater favor.
The rhythmical tinkle stops with her movement. She goes silent for a moment, observing the two children playing in the water ahead of them, smiling peacefully. “Where did Madden find them?” she eventually asks. She couldn’t help much more without learning about this child – and it seemed like quite a story.
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Post by seechem on Aug 23, 2019 6:05:13 GMT -6
N E R O
a Saviour of Serora
'writing my poems for the few that look to me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me'
......
The water droplets that met their face were a surprise, and Virgil nickered for a moment before realising what Lucie had done. Virgil, for the first time in a long time, gave a little smile, and scuffed their hooves and flicked their ears, "It's on," they signed. With a wing, Virgil dipped the feathers and splashed water back at the bright little Lucie. Virgil also sent a few drops Charlie's way, delighting at the little squeaks of the familiar.
Nero watched them from beside Danaë and warmed. "They do seem to be enjoying Lucie's company." He chuckled as the two children played, "It's nice to see them both so happy." He had been pleasantly surprised by Lucie's warmth to Virgil, and could see the two could become good friends.
But the roan looked back to his own friend, a childhood friend at that, and watched to her wise words.
'Talk to them'
It sounded so obvious, but Nero realised as she signed to him that he had been trying to shelter the child, and hadn't bothered to ask if that was what they wanted at all. His ears pinned back as Danaë continued, feeling a little foolish for not realising this sooner.
"I always thought they didn't want to discuss it...I have assumed so much about them." He sighed, barely daring to watch the children as they continued to enjoy the brook.
At her question Nero looked sidelong at the pegasus. "A little while back, Madden took an assignment to escort a supply group. It went," he paused unsure how much detail to give, "poorly. And on his way back to the Oasis he found Virgil. Madden told me that they were exhausted and dehydrated and looked like they had been on the run for a while." Nero could remember first seeing Virgil, even after those days that Madden had managed to feed them and hydrate them, the pegasus had been so scrawny and dishevelled. "But eventually Virgil told him that they were from Breim. Their family had been travelling to Osulas, I believe, and something happened. Virgil was found by a stranger and was taken further south. It's all a little confusing." Nero admitted, trying to keep his voice low, "They haven't had much of a permanent family for a while now. And we don't even know if their family is still alive or not. Madden and I are just signed up as their guardians until we can figure out what happened."
Nero looked to Danaë sheepishly, "That's why I haven't known what to do. But I certainly want to improve my signing," he almost laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "You are right, though, I should try to talk to them about it." He turned a little to watch the two children.
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Post by Luneby on Sept 9, 2019 3:25:11 GMT -6
D A N A Ë"Of fire and gold."
Virgil’s story was quite the tale, as Danaë would soon find out. Stunned, she nodded softly as she listened to her friend’s whispering. She’d felt the doubt Nero was crippled with – a child rushing into his life was ground-breaking news and he didn’t have the luxury to see Virgil grow. He didn’t know the foal he adopted yet – that thought shook the mare to her core. She nuzzled him gently, with reassuring eyes and a comforting smile. Her bells rang lightly. “I’m so sorry to hear that. If you need any help with the research, you know I would be glad to help to the best of my ability.” She paused, breathing quietly, her eyes looking fondly at her friend. “ You do not know Virgil well yet, talking to them is the safest bet. It shall allow healthy communication between the two of you – which is the key to keep safe dynamics within a family. Don’t push them if they’re not ready to talk -but do let them know your door is always open.” It felt incredibly strange to be the one giving the advice this time. Nero had always been the wisest among her friends when she wild and reckless. But today he was humbly seeking for her guidance, for a matter where she was, in fact, knowledgeable, as much as it still felt like a dream. Guess this was all a part of becoming an adult, she thought. A smile reached her lips once again – her heart was full. She had spent so many years alongside Nero. It was moving to see him becoming a parent too: they had much more growing up to do together. Their bond would be lifelong, she realized that now. Her watchful eyes didn’t leave the foals: she marveled as she saw her daughter warming up so easily to someone her age. Lucie had always been shy, but around Virgil she seemed to grow effortlessly into her natural self. The filly was indeed enjoying herself, as the splashing did not stop. The two foals were soon soaked in clear water, along with an infuriated Charlie who was now trotting distressfully towards an amused Danaë.
***
WC: 361| Post # 4
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Post by seechem on Sept 26, 2019 4:43:22 GMT -6
N E R O
the Prophet of Serora
'writing my poems for the few that look to me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me'
......
When Danae gently nuzzled against him in support, the Saviour felt himself loosen a little. Her friendship soothed him, as he tried to meet her kind eyes.
Nero listened attentively to the musical jangle of her bells, and followed her dance like motions until they spelled out her meaning. She would support him, she would support them both. But she emphasised communication. Between himself and Virgil. It was already tricky, with Virgil migrating from Breimian sign to Seroran, but Nero understood his friend, and agreed with a soft nod.
"Thank you, Danae. You do not know what this all means to me." He stepped beside her, his young reckless, wild-child friend, and gently rested his head on her shoulder. "Your counsel is always appreciated, especially in...these matters. I was afraid I would push them away if I tried to talk to them. But I see now that you're right. I need to encourage them to tell me what they need." He followed her line of sight to the children, and felt a soft glow of love for them both. They were all like a family, a supportive network that would lookout for each other. As he stood with his friend, he realised warmly that these connections he had formed in his youth were deep and true and, most importantly, were integral to his life.
The high laughter of Lucie drifted towards them, along with a thoroughly soaked albino pecari. The sight of Virgil playing with Lucie had Nero's heart swelling with love and hope. "I am so grateful for you Danae," He murmured softly, "I mean that with all my heart. You are a true and dear friend. And I believe our children will be that to each other too." It was the first time he had called Virgil 'his child', and it felt relieving. He breathed in the crisp air, nuzzling his friend once more before lifting his head from her shoulder. "Your friendship is one of the greatest treasures Alya has ever bestowed upon me."
Virgil kicked up their hooves in the water, their wings heavy with water, their makeup running down their cheeks. The smile on their face almost hurt as they skipped in the water with the bright light that was Lucie. Her aura shone across the water so that it all looked silvery and clear, and for once Virgil could actually see around themself. "I'm drenched." They signed between splashing and smiles. Indeed, so was Lucie, her coat glimmering with the water that Virgil could see on her aura. Virgil had to take a moment, hauling in breaths and releasing little, gentle giggles through their disused throat. "I may need a minute." They signed, playfully sending a wave of water towards her with their wing.
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Post by Luneby on Nov 13, 2019 7:57:34 GMT -6
D A N A Ë"Of fire and gold."
Danaë’s heart tightened in her ribcage as she listens to her friend’s words. Nero and herself had been friends for a long time – it felt like forever. They were teenagers not so long ago, but to Danaë a lifetime had elapsed, she had died and had been reborn through her child, she had become someone else. Yet Nero was still here, ever so patiently. He was part of those who walked her through this new existence, who had shown never-ending love and support throughout the scariest experience of her existence and had never faltered. It was only fair that she’d be there for him when he underwent the same experience, despite their very different stories. She took a step back so she could be seen, as tears glimmered in her eyes, a shaky smile bending her lips. “ I am very lucky, Nero, to have you and to always have had you in my life. I could never have become the mother I am without you as my family, supporting and loving me through trial and error. And I shall be your family while you experience the same thing as well. Thank you for everything.” She leant closer, her forehead meeting Nero’s gently as she closed her eyes. She then stepped back, beaming with pride as she looked at her friend. The once shy colt had gone so far. Lucie shook the water off her gleaming coat as she nodded, panting as she realized her own exhaustion. “ I think I’m going to have to take the longest nap of my life after this.” She signs, amused, before meeting Virgil on the shore, tail swishing into the sand. “ Looks like Mom and uncle Nero are having fun up there.” She adds, looking up to the two horses nuzzling each other. She looked towards Virgil, and thought that cuddling a friend must be a nice feeling, but she didn’t say a thing.
***
WC: 319| Post # 5
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Post by seechem on Dec 17, 2019 7:49:29 GMT -6
N E R O
the Prophet of Serora
'writing my poems for the few that look to me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me'
......
Nero's bald face flushed at the kind and loving words from his friend. At least half of his life had been spent in her company; growing with her, learning together, getting into and out of every shade of mischief in their youth. And to look at her now, to look at himself, he had to admit how truly blessed he was.
"You say the sweetest things," he half joked, moving his head to meet hers, "you are always welcome in my family." He laughed a little, "You have always been my family." Emotions soared in his chest as the friends embraced each other, and Nero had to fight back happy tears when he eventually pulled away. "Getting me all emotional." He said, practically sniffling.
"A nap," Virgil signed with a snort, "now that's exactly what I need." They stepped up beside Lucie on the sand, enjoying the warm sensation beneath their hooves. She mentioned something about Danaë and Nero, and Virgil's ears perked up. The auras from the adults were sparkling and growing brighter and brighter with emotion and love, making Virgil almost instinctively squint. Such tenderness and genuine affection felt so foreign, and yet so yearned for. "I had a really nice morning." They signed tentatively, "Getting to know you...and play. That was...nice." They tried to hide their slightly blushing face. Being surrounded by so much positivity was almost contagious, and despite themself Virgil reached their wing out to gently rest across Lucie's back, like a half embrace. "Thank you." They signed, keeping their eyes trained dead ahead, too nervous to see her reaction.
"They look like they had a good time." Nero said quickly, shaking his head to dispel the escaping tears. Seeing Virgil place their wing across Lucie's back, Nero couldn't help smiling in delighted surprise. "It seems Virgil might actually have found a friend." But he also noted the worn out look on both of the children's faces. "Perhaps we should schedule in another playdate? They both seem to have tired themselves out."
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